Since your child is fast becoming a teenager and is due for a wellness check, you and your child may have more questions about their growing body due to hormonal changes. Also, it is a good idea at this age to have an open discussion with our pediatricians about substance abuse danger and peer pressure.

Our professional staff of four pediatric doctors at Pediatric Group Associates located in Moline, IL, are ready to put you and your child at ease during their physical exams. 

What To Discuss With Your Child Before Their Appointment

It's always good to discuss with your child what to expect during their upcoming doctor's appointments. As with adult appointments, you and your child should make a list if they have any questions or concerns regarding puberty. 

Pediatric Group Associates, located in Moline, IL, explains that open communication is critical to outstanding healthcare during physical exams. According to our doctors, teenage exams need the following components.

• Check vitals, including height, weight, blood pressure, BMI, and percentiles on height and weight versus what's an average for a child their age.
• Depression screening - as your child ages and faces growing pressures at school or in daily life, it's good to discuss the results of this screening and any issues your child is facing, so they can receive help.
• Procedures - Vocalize to your child the need for immunization shots if appropriate or additional testing such as blood draws if needed.
• Growth and Development - It may be awkward for your child to talk about their changing bodies, but approaching the subject with knowledge, facts, and compassion can take the embarrassment out of the subject for everyone.

You and our pediatric doctors should work together to offer an open, safe place to listen to your child regarding questions about puberty and their sexuality. Along with answering your child's questions, you should have a neutral conversation about the dangers of peer pressure regarding drugs and alcohol. 

These conversations encourage your child to open up and share any pressure they may face. Knowing that you will be nonjudgemental on these issues will help your child realize they can approach you about embarrassing topics. 

After your teen's wellness checkup, you should occasionally have open conversations about these issues so your child stays comfortable sharing and knows they have a safe space to talk about issues. 

Call For Your Child's Appointment Today

Our pediatric doctors at Pediatric Group Associates in Moline, IL, are ready for your teen's physical exams today. Call and schedule an appointment with any of our four esteemed, skilled, and experienced pediatric doctors at (309) 797-5437. We are devoted to quality childhood healthcare.